Bulging Hand Veins: Causes and Treatment Options

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Bulging veins in your hands or arms are typically purely aesthetic. Usually, the veins function normally. Bulging veins are a sign of medical concern for only a few people.

If you don't like the look of veins on your hands or are concerned that you may have a medical problem, read on to learn about the causes of bulging hand veins and your treatment options.

Causes of bulging hand veins

There are several possible causes for bulging veins in your hands. One or more of the following factors could be causing your bulging hand veins:

- Hot weather. High temperatures can make it difficult for your vascular valves to function properly. This can cause your veins to expand.

- Body fat is low. Your veins may be more visible if you don't have much fat on your hands.

- Age. Your skin thins and loses suppleness as you age, making your veins more noticeable. 

- Exercise. When you exercise, your blood pressure rises, and your veins become closer to the surface of your skin. When your blood pressure returns to normal, your hand veins become less visible. 

- Genetics. If you have immediate family relatives who have bulging veins, you may also have them.

- Phlebitis. A vein may swell if it becomes inflamed due to a hand infection, trauma, or autoimmune illness.

- Varicose veins. They are more common in the leg than in the hand, but they occur as your vein valves weaken and become less effective in preventing blood from flowing backward.

- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A bulging hand vein could be caused by a blood clot deep in the arm veins.

- Thrombophlebitis of the skin. The inflammation of a superficial vein (phlebitis) induced by a blood clot (thrombus) is known as superficial thrombophlebitis. It can happen as a result of a vein injury, such as when an IV catheter is implanted.

Treatment options

Bulging hand vein treatment depends on the cause. Once your doctor has verified the right diagnosis, treatment can be planned and begun.

Most treatments for bulging hand veins are aesthetic rather than medical. The cosmetic treatments are much the same as the varicose vein treatment:

- Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a chemical solution into certain veins, causing them to scar and close.

- Endovenous ablation therapy is also known as laser therapy. It is best for tiny veins. Your doctor will employ laser therapy to close veins by using intensified light or radio waves.

- Ambulatory phlebectomy is the surgical removal of veins using tiny incisions. It entails the use of local anesthetic.

- Vein stripping and ligation shut the vein that provides blood to the targeted vein. Your doctor will make an incision, tie off the vein, and remove it while you are under general anesthesia.

After your doctor seals the targeted vein, the blood that used to flow through it is naturally redistributed. The shut vein ultimately disappears.

If you have any of the following medical problems, your doctor will prescribe special therapy:

- Phlebitis. Your doctor may give anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotic therapy, warm compresses, arm elevation, or both.

- Thrombophlebitis. Your doctor may not recommend prescription medication. Clots in veins near the skin's surface are frequently naturally absorbed in less than two weeks. If you have swelling, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription drug. Otherwise, the treatment is the same as for phlebitis.

- DVT. Your doctor will almost certainly prescribe an anticoagulant blood thinner. If blood thinners fail to work or you have a severe DVT, your doctor may recommend thrombolytic therapy. This is often referred to as "clot buster" therapy.

Conclusion

For most people, bulging hand veins do not signal a serious medical condition.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you're afraid that your visible hand veins are a sign of something severe or if you simply don't like how they look. They can recommend treatment if there is a major concern. If you want them removed for cosmetic reasons, your doctor will recommend the best technique for you.